The Spirit of Ireland HERBAL RETREAT
2023 DATES TBA
JOURNEY WITH US TO THE EMERALD ISLE…
Come, join us and explore The Emerald Isle on our bi annual Irish Plant Spirit & Wild Roots Retreat, with Herbalist and Flower Essence Practitioner Lupo Passero. We are excited to share Lupo’s great grandmothers’ birthplace with you and to explore these ancient lands of magic and mysticism, healing plants and sacred waters. This trip is perfect for all levels of experience; whether you are a beginner, the “budding” herbalist or if you’re an experienced herbalist and would like a deeper understanding of sacred plant medicine and the lore of the Celtic lands. Each day will include time with our herbal allies, interaction with the local plants and time for exploring the rich history of this sacred land. We will include song, ceremony, ritual and Goddess traditions along the way.
Itinerary
Day 1: Pick Up At Airport + Knockrose
Pick up at 11 am and then we head to Knockrose Garden, situated 500 feet above sea level nestling on the shoulder of The Scalp, in the south of County Dublin, Ireland. Knockrose itself is situated on a tri-vortex of ley lines which enables visitors to feel very protected and to become at peace with themselves. The traditional farm house was built in 1750, and the border of Knockrose with the forests on the Scalp is the Pale Ditch. It is a place of peace and tranquility, where it is blissfully easy to forget about the time-bound frantic pace of the 21st century, and relax to a more natural and healing pace. The scents and colors of the Cottage Garden are a joy to the senses. We will hold our opening ceremony amongst the beloved plants of the Emerald Isle and begin our journey emersed in Natures classroom. From here we will head West to Sligo and settle in for the evening and share dinner. Dinner is included
Day 2: Sligo: Knocknashee, + Strandhill Beach
Knocknashee is known as the legendary “Hill of the Faeries” and is one of Ireland’s seven most sacred hills. The name comes from the Irish “knock” (cnoc) meaning “hill” and “shee” meaning “fairie”. At the foot of this his legendary “Hill of the Fairy’s” is Gilligan’s World which is the original home of Lupo’s Great Grandmother Mary and where her family resided for centuries. Mary Gilligan, left her home in Sligo at the age of 17 and set off on her own for New York City. Her house is still standing as is the original well that her ancestors used. Knocknashee is one of Ireland's largest Bronze Age fortified hilltop forts stretching 700x320 meters across this table-top mountain plateau. Knocknashee Hill is a sacred site for Fairies & for those of us who worship or believe in them. It has been a pilgrimage area for thousands of years. It consists of 2 large stone cairns (tombs) & the remains of up to 60 circular stone houses. There is also a large stone wall surrounding the entire enclosure. If there is anywhere in Ireland to possibly sight fairies, then this is our best bet! Afterwards we will head to the beach and connect with the spirit of the water, seaweed and our own inner mermaid. Breakfast, + packed lunch included.
Day 3: Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery + Queen Maeve’s tomb
County Sligo is home to the largest and oldest collection of stone circles and dolmens known from neolithic Ireland. These are found at Carrowmore, a collection of burial monuments at the centre of the Cuil Iorra peninsula three kilometers west of Sligo town. Carrowmore is the largest cemetery of megalithic tombs in Ireland and is also among the country's oldest, with monuments ranging from five thousand to five thousand eight hundred years old. Archaeologists have recorded over 60 tombs of which 30 are visible. A restored cottage houses an exhibition relating to the site. Here we will hear stories of the land from our Native tour guides who will wave the tale of how the Irish ancestors lives thousands of years ago and their relationship to earth and spirit.
Queen Maeve’s Tomb is perhaps Ireland's most imposing neolithic monument built in a stunning and highly visible location, the focus of the other monuments scattered across the Sligo neolithic landscape. Queen Maeve's cairn is probably one of the best preserved monuments of its kind remaining in Ireland. The passage and chamber have remained hidden since prehistoric times. The cairn is currently reputed to be the resting place of the legendary Queen Maeve of Connaught who is best known for her role in the Tain Bo Culainge, where she led her province to war against Ulster to take the Brown Bull of Cooley, when Cuchullain single-handedly held off her army. That she chose to be interred in the Great Cairn of Knocknarea says something about its prestige as the most important and ancient sacred site in Connaught. Here we will enjoy the leisurely, though at times a little strenuous, 1.2 kilometre walk to the summit. It is a local tradition to pick up a stone or a small rock on your walk to the summit, and to leave it at the cairn.
Breakfast is included.
Day 4: Travel to Bog Hill +Plant Spirits
The second part of our journey will have us traveling South to the Burren, where we will make our new home in the beautiful landscape surrounding our 52 acre retreat center. Complete with trails, 2 labyrinths, a stone circle, herbal gardens, sweat lodge, orchard, ponds and more, we feel the embrace of nature. After lunch we will continue to build upon our studies with the various native plants of Ireland that grow all over the grounds. We will gather rushes and make our very own St. Brigid’s crosses. After dinner, for folks interested, we can visit a nearby town for traditional Irish Music and pub experience. Breakfast, lunch + dinner are included.
Day 5: Burren Woodland Walk + Wishing Well + Moonscape
We will spend the day deep in the Burren. Walking through an ever changing landscape including woodlands, meadows, and lunar rocks that will have you feeling like you have landed on the moon. Here we will find, if we are lucky a dear friend of both the fae and the plant folk, who tends the land and offers tea and cake to travelers passing through. It is said that it was this area that inspired J.R.R. Tolkien to write the Hobbit, and once you visit you will understand why. Filled with magic, holy wells, a wish fulfilling tree and a 650 year old hawthorn tree, this place is a magical experience that you will not soon forget. Breakfast, lunch + dinner are included
Day 6: Cliffs Of Moher + St Brigids Well
No trip to Ireland would be complete without a visit to these majestic cliffs. Situated in County Clare and bordering the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most spectacular sights. Standing 230 metres above the ground at their highest point and 8 km long, the Cliffs boast one of the most amazing views in Ireland. On a clear day, the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay as well as the valleys and hills of Connemara. A famous Harry Potter scene was also taken in one of the caves, and when the weather is good, is easily seen from the cliffs. St Brigid’s Well - Ireland is full of sacred spots and holy wells. A 19th century survey stated that Ireland has no fewer than 3,000 holy wells and at least fifteen of them are dedicated to St. Brigid. However, few compare to this one, located between Liscannor and the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare. This St. Brigid’s well differs from the others in a number of ways. It is one of the oldest wells rumored to have healing powers and the running sound of the water is audible. Thousands of mementos, rosaries, prayers and pieces of clothing have been left in the stone grotto as a gift to both the beloved Goddess and Saint and they continue to spill out into the trees lining the path to the cemetery. Breakfast, lunch + dinner are included.
Day 7: Back to Dublin for evening/next morning flights. Meals on own, breakfast available at hotel.
PRICE (does not include airfare): $2400 PAY IN FULL
• Deposit: $800 due immediately to reserve your spot. Space is very limited as we keep the group size very small. This is a non-refundable deposit.
• Payment ONE due by April 30, 2020: Payment of $800.00
• Payment TWO / Final Payment due by May 31, 2020: Balance due $800.00
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
• Transfer to/from Dublin airport (DUB) at designated times
• Single and Shared room accommodations – there will be an additional charge for single rooms
• All breakfasts, most lunches and some dinners as specified in the itinerary
• All entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary
• Airport pickup/drop off and all ground transportation as per the itinerary
• Herbalism classes taught by Lupo Passero (Community Herbalists & Flower Essence Practitioners)
• Local Guides
NOT INCLUDED:
• Airfare; please do not finalize/purchase any airfare until we have confirmed that this departure will go. If it does not go due to lack of participants, all funds will be refunded. We are keeping watch on airfare trends and are happy to help coordinate air travel if so desired.
• Travel insurance (we very strongly recommend this, see registration form for more info)
• Some meals as specified in Itinerary
• personal expenses/spending
• alcohol/drinks
• any transfers not mentioned in the itinerary
• paper/notebooks and whatever you like to have for note-taking
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Intimate group size, not to exceed 10 people
• Daily herb and essence classes, workshops & ceremonies
• Local Guide/s
• Certificate of Completion
• Completely escorted
PRACTICAL INFORMATION:
• Travel documents - A valid passport is needed.
• Weather - It is much like the weather in the Northeast, but perhaps with a bit cooler. For a better feel, you can check the weather online to get an idea of what to expect.
• Money (Euros) – Our personal experience has been to use the local ATMs to get Euros. There is, of course, a fee. Check with your bank. Consider the convenience, security and ease of having access to your money most anywhere you go and the fee suddenly seems reasonable. Do NOT use Traveler’s Checks – there will be no place to cash them in. Please also keep in mind that credit cards are not always as widely accepted as in the US.
• Baggage - we ask that you pack as lightly as possible. Our transportation has limited baggage stowage.
• Backpacks and water bottles - are recommended and are very useful for our daily outings.
• Notebooks – consider what kind of notebook is most comfortable for you as we will not always be in a “classroom” setting.
• Comfortable shoes and layered clothing – highly recommended for our daily outings. Evenings are cool. Meal times will be casual. Please remember, pack simply and lightly!
• Hiking - there will be plenty of walking and hiking. Most of it is considered easy, but there are a few places where the hike is more moderate. There will always be a place where you can sit out if so desired.
Every effort will be made to follow the itinerary as noted. We reserve the right to make adjustments as necessitated by weather, safety and unforeseen variables.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
Transfer to/from Dublin airport (DUB) at designated times
Single and Shared room accommodations – we will do our best to facilitate single rooms for all travelers in need.
All breakfasts, most lunches and some dinners as specified in the itinerary
All entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary
Airport pickup/drop off and all ground transportation as per the itinerary
Herbalism classes taught by Lupo Passero & Brooke Sullivan (Community Herbalists & Flower Essence Practitioners)
Local Guides
NOT INCLUDED:
Airfare; please do not finalize/purchase any airfare until we have confirmed that this departure will go. If it does not go due to lack of participants, all funds will be refunded. We are keeping watch on airfare trends and are happy to help coordinate air travel if so desired.
Travel insurance (we very strongly recommend this, see registration form for more info)
Some meals as specified in Itinerary
personal expenses/spending
alcohol/drinks
any transfers not mentioned in the itinerary
paper/notebooks and whatever you like to have for note-taking
HIGHLIGHTS:
Intimate group size, not to exceed 18 people
Daily herb and essence classes, workshops & ceremonies
Local Guide/s
Certificate of Completion
Completely escorted
PRACTICAL INFORMATION:
Travel documents - A valid passport is needed.
Weather - It is much like the weather in the Northeast, but perhaps with a bit cooler. For a better feel, you can check the weather online to get an idea of what to expect.
Money (Euros) – Our personal experience has been to use the local ATMs to get Euros. There is, of course, a fee. Check with your bank. Consider the convenience, security and ease of having access to your money most anywhere you go and the fee suddenly seems reasonable. Do NOT use Traveler’s Checks – there will be no place to cash them in. Please also keep in mind that credit cards are not always as widely accepted as in the US.
Baggage - we ask that you pack as lightly as possible. Our transportation has limited baggage stowage.
Backpacks and water bottles - are recommended and are very useful for our daily outings.
Notebooks – consider what kind of notebook is most comfortable for you as we will not always be in a “classroom” setting.
Comfortable shoes and layered clothing – highly recommended for our daily outings. Evenings are cool. Meal times will be casual. Please remember, pack simply and lightly!
Hiking - there will be plenty of walking and hiking. Most of it is considered easy, but there are a few places where the hike is more moderate. There will always be a place where you can sit out if so desired.
Every effort will be made to follow the itinerary as noted. We reserve the right to make adjustments as necessitated by weather, safety and unforeseen variables.